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Sunday, November 16, 2008

Field Trip: Sam Houston Schoolhouse

We have lots of historical sites in our area of the country; Tennessee is a hoppin' place for history. Last Friday we spent the day at the Sam Houston Schoolhouse for a fantastic living history day and Thanksgiving feast.

The kids broke up into five age-level groups and rotated through a couple of re-enactors, the schoolhouse (which included a spelling bee), candle-making, and a museum tour. I trailed along with Duncan's group, since Laurel enjoys being m ore independent. (Well, and because one never knows with Duncan: calm or wild?)

The candles turned out beautifully. The teachers were so kind and patient and full of good information.

They were fascinated by this man, who taught them about different tools and essential items used in the early 1800s. All they really wanted to do was touch all his cool stuff.

This cracked me up. This re-enactor was all about weapons. Every time he did this …

They did this!

We had a delicious Thanksgiving feast, as well, with everyone bringing the fixings. The weather was perfect, the company delightful, and I even met a few new folks.

Have you had any fun field trips lately? What kind of historic sites do you have near your home?

Sarah, We used to have a great pilgrim/indian day each year at the Robinson's house in West Knoxville. The kids would dress up and do similar things to those you described at Sam Houston's. We had some great homeschool memories with the Cedar Springs Presbyterian homeschool group in West Knoxville.